We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Tatiana Mulry
The first course in the Building Your Freelancing Career specialization is focused on freelancers looking to define and solidify their philosophy, values and goals within their future business. Coursework will discuss the importance of understanding their competition and market position in a competitive business landscape, help them define what their unique value is, and how that relates to possible business approaches.
Read more
The first course in the Building Your Freelancing Career specialization is focused on freelancers looking to define and solidify their philosophy, values and goals within their future business. Coursework will discuss the importance of understanding their competition and market position in a competitive business landscape, help them define what their unique value is, and how that relates to possible business approaches.
Read more
The first course in the Building Your Freelancing Career specialization is focused on freelancers looking to define and solidify their philosophy, values and goals within their future business. Coursework will discuss the importance of understanding their competition and market position in a competitive business landscape, help them define what their unique value is, and how that relates to possible business approaches.
CalArtians who do not see a "Sponsored by CalArts" notice when enrolling are encouraged to access this course and the specialization by joining through the Coursera for CalArts program linked in the course/specialization FAQ.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ew0kt4/plan
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Course & Specialization Overview
This Specialization helps you improve your professional skills as a freelancer, solopreneur, or new business owner. Each course focuses on a new set of skills that build upon previous courses' learnings to strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of designing and running a freelancing business. Course 1 is all about planning - we will explore your interests, skills, and talents in the context of market conditions and customer needs to design a valuable service offering.
Read more
Syllabus
Course & Specialization Overview
This Specialization helps you improve your professional skills as a freelancer, solopreneur, or new business owner. Each course focuses on a new set of skills that build upon previous courses' learnings to strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of designing and running a freelancing business. Course 1 is all about planning - we will explore your interests, skills, and talents in the context of market conditions and customer needs to design a valuable service offering.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to the freelancing business model
Teaches the entrepreneurial skills necessary for planning and running a freelance business
Helps students develop a business plan for their freelance business or start-up
Provides step-by-step guidance on developing a service offering
Focuses on foundational skills and knowledge for starting a freelance business
Taught by an experienced freelance entrepreneur, Tatiana Mulry
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Essential planning for freelance business success
According to students, this course is a highly effective roadmap for aspiring freelancers, providing a solid foundation for planning and launching a successful business. Learners particularly value its emphasis on defining unique value propositions and understanding market needs. The business plan module is highlighted as a comprehensive capstone that helps tie concepts together, fostering increased confidence. While many found it perfect for beginners, a few more experienced individuals mentioned it might feel like a review of familiar concepts. Some also wished for more 'how-to' practical advice beyond strategic planning. The peer review mechanism is seen as insightful, though its quality can sometimes vary.
Guides learners in creating a strong business plan.
"The business plan module really tied it all together."
"Absolutely brilliant! The concepts were clear, and the exercises helped me build a solid vision for my business."
"It takes you through everything step by step, from ideation to a basic business plan."
Teaches how to define your unique value and market position.
"The emphasis on defining my unique value proposition and understanding market needs was invaluable."
"I now feel much more confident about planning my services."
"This course helped me clarify my niche and develop a clear service offering."
Offers essential planning for launching a freelance business.
"This course provided a fantastic roadmap for starting my freelancing journey."
"Highly recommend for anyone new to freelancing. The course structure is logical, and the content is comprehensive."
"Perfect for a beginner! It takes you through everything step by step, from ideation to a basic business plan."
Peer assessment offers insights, but quality can be inconsistent.
"Peer reviews of the business plan were surprisingly insightful."
"The peer feedback was good, but some submissions were low quality, which diluted the learning."
"I found the module on 'Designing Your Dream Business' quite useful though, but the peer critique was not always consistent."
Ideal for new freelancers, less so for experienced professionals.
"if you already have some business experience, much of this might feel like a review. Best for complete beginners."
"I expected more practical advice... Felt a bit high-level for my needs as someone trying to launch immediately."
"Good foundational course. It helped me articulate my goals... Some parts felt a bit theoretical."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Plan a Successful Freelancing Business with these
activities:
Review key concepts from previous coursework
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic freelancing and entrepreneurship concepts to prepare for this course
Browse courses on
Freelancing
Show steps
-
Read through your notes and textbooks from previous courses
-
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding
Attend a networking event for freelancers
Show steps
Connect with other freelancers and learn from their experiences and insights
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research networking events in your area
-
Prepare an elevator pitch and business cards
-
Attend the event and engage with other attendees
Create a business plan for your freelance business
Show steps
Develop a detailed plan for your freelance business to help you refine your ideas and identify potential challenges
Browse courses on
Business Planning
Show steps
-
Research your target market and competition
-
Define your services and pricing
-
Create a marketing plan
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend a workshop on a specific aspect of freelancing
Show steps
Develop new skills or refine existing ones by attending a workshop tailored to freelancers
Show steps
-
Research workshops in your area or online
-
Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and needs
-
Participate actively in the workshop
Write a blog post or article about a topic related to freelancing
Show steps
Share your knowledge and expertise in freelancing by writing and publishing a blog post or article
Browse courses on
Freelance Writing
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that you're passionate about and that will be valuable to your target audience
-
Research your topic thoroughly
-
Write a compelling and informative article
Mentor a new freelancer
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with a new freelancer to help them succeed
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Offer your services as a mentor to new freelancers
-
Provide guidance and support to your mentee
Review key concepts from previous coursework
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of basic freelancing and entrepreneurship concepts to prepare for this course
Browse courses on
Freelancing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through your notes and textbooks from previous courses
- Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding
Attend a networking event for freelancers
Show steps
Connect with other freelancers and learn from their experiences and insights
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research networking events in your area
- Prepare an elevator pitch and business cards
- Attend the event and engage with other attendees
Create a business plan for your freelance business
Show steps
Develop a detailed plan for your freelance business to help you refine your ideas and identify potential challenges
Browse courses on
Business Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research your target market and competition
- Define your services and pricing
- Create a marketing plan
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Attend a workshop on a specific aspect of freelancing
Show steps
Develop new skills or refine existing ones by attending a workshop tailored to freelancers
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research workshops in your area or online
- Choose a workshop that aligns with your interests and needs
- Participate actively in the workshop
Write a blog post or article about a topic related to freelancing
Show steps
Share your knowledge and expertise in freelancing by writing and publishing a blog post or article
Browse courses on
Freelance Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you're passionate about and that will be valuable to your target audience
- Research your topic thoroughly
- Write a compelling and informative article
Mentor a new freelancer
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience with a new freelancer to help them succeed
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Offer your services as a mentor to new freelancers
- Provide guidance and support to your mentee
Career center
Learners who complete Plan a Successful Freelancing Business will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote products or services. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides insights into developing a business plan and understanding market conditions. Additionally, the course's emphasis on defining a unique value proposition and target audience can be valuable for creating effective marketing campaigns.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. This course may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field as it provides guidance on defining a business's goals, identifying market opportunities, and developing a competitive advantage. The course's focus on building a strong business plan can also be beneficial for those looking to secure funding or partnerships.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing a team of sales professionals. This course may be helpful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides insights into developing a sales strategy, managing customer relationships, and closing deals. Additionally, the course's emphasis on understanding customer needs and developing a compelling value proposition can be valuable for sales professionals.
Product Manager
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products or services. This course may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field as it provides guidance on defining product requirements, conducting market research, and developing a product roadmap. Additionally, the course's focus on understanding customer needs and developing a strong value proposition can be beneficial for product managers.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course may be helpful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides insights into developing a project plan, managing resources, and tracking progress. Additionally, the course's emphasis on defining project scope, budget, and timeline can be valuable for project managers.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. This course may be helpful for those seeking to enter this field as it provides guidance on developing operational processes, managing inventory, and ensuring quality control. Additionally, the course's focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness can be valuable for operations managers.
Marketing Consultant
Marketing Consultant
A Marketing Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses on marketing strategies and campaigns. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides insights into developing marketing plans, conducting market research, and managing marketing budgets. Additionally, the course's emphasis on understanding customer needs and developing a compelling value proposition can be valuable for marketing consultants.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement. This course may be useful for those seeking to enter this field as it provides guidance on gathering and analyzing data, developing recommendations, and presenting findings. Additionally, the course's emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking can be valuable for business analysts.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. This course may be helpful for those seeking to become entrepreneurs as it provides guidance on developing a business plan, identifying target markets, and securing funding. Additionally, the course's emphasis on defining a unique value proposition and building a strong brand can be valuable for entrepreneurs.
Freelance Writer
Freelance Writer
A Freelance Writer provides written content for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong writing style and understanding different content formats can be valuable for freelance writers.
Freelance Graphic Designer
Freelance Graphic Designer
A Freelance Graphic Designer creates visual content for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong design portfolio and understanding different design principles can be valuable for freelance graphic designers.
Freelance Web Developer
Freelance Web Developer
A Freelance Web Developer builds and maintains websites for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong web development portfolio and understanding different web technologies can be valuable for freelance web developers.
Freelance Photographer
Freelance Photographer
A Freelance Photographer provides photography services for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong photography portfolio and understanding different photography techniques can be valuable for freelance photographers.
Freelance Videographer
Freelance Videographer
A Freelance Videographer provides videography services for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong videography portfolio and understanding different videography techniques can be valuable for freelance videographers.
Freelance Editor
Freelance Editor
A Freelance Editor provides editing services for businesses and individuals. This course may be useful for those seeking to work in this field as it provides guidance on developing a portfolio, finding clients, and setting rates. Additionally, the course's emphasis on developing a strong editing portfolio and understanding different editing techniques can be valuable for freelance editors.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ew0kt4/plan
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Plan a Successful Freelancing Business .
Provides a comprehensive overview of freelancing, covering everything from setting up your business to finding clients and managing your finances.
Teaches you how to use the Lean Startup methodology to validate your business ideas and build a successful business.
Save
Provides insights into the gig economy and how to succeed in it.
Save
Guide to designing a lifestyle that allows you to work less and enjoy more.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a business around your skills. It covers everything from identifying your target market to developing your marketing strategy to pricing your services.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to starting a business with $100 or less. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to start their own business but doesn't have a lot of money to invest.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ew0kt4/plan
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 9 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
California Institute of the Arts
Instructor
Tatiana Mulry
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Building Your Freelancing Career. It's comprised of five courses:
- Plan a Successful Freelancing Business (viewing)
- Making Money as a Freelancer
- Protect and Grow Your Freelancing Business
- Launching Your Freelancing Business
- Building Your Freelancing Career Capstone
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser