<p>With a rising demand for freelancing, there has been an increase in challenges and uncertainty. Also, there is a continuous need for digital transformation across the globe. Pandemic has made businesses comfortable with remote work. This has given tremendous growth to the freelancing industry. It is still a question, how does one determine if the project has been successful? A good example would be portfolios uploaded on freelancer’s profiles. Many get there and many don’t. For those finding it challenging, UpTecHunt wants to share the key to a project's success.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Regardless of the project size, every project faces unforeseen circumstances, scope change, unevaluated risks, or poor estimation of time and effort. Due to these reasons, projects fail and affect client relationships. However, by taking the following steps, we can increase the probability of making a project successful. Keep reading to understand these steps.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Set Deadlines</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Don’t underestimate the power of setting timelines. One of the major reasons for project delays is not discussing the schedule. Create a milestone and group related tasks under it and set a deadline. Discuss unforeseen circumstances, what could happen, and how you want to handle them. Set meeting frequency and duration to avoid last moment troubles. Let the client know if you are ahead of the schedule. Always keep a buffer time before the completion date of the project. Allow some time for review because the clients and the freelancers could be busy with unavoidable tasks. Make upfront discussions about timelines. Most importantly, stick to the timelines!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Be Proactive</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As one gains experience, freelancers also get an idea about the risks and problems in the project. Take initiative and communicate with the client. This way, you can efficiently manage your time and work on productive tasks. Asking questions plays an essential role in the success of the project. Brainstorm about the project's goal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Set Priorities</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With the help of a project collaboration tool, list your tasks and set priorities. Prioritizing the task brings discipline and quality work. Reach out to the client if priorities are unclear. Setting priorities would also be beneficial to boost your efficiency. High efficiency would always result in high-quality work. And what happens when you deliver high-quality work? You make the client happy.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Happy clients means the project is a SUCCESS”</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Think about it! A successful project builds confidence, and trust and exhibits reliability by attracting more clients.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Define Critical Success Factors (CSFs)</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One of the famous methodologies to define CSFs is <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/smart-goals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">S.M.A.R.T</a>. SMART goals would ensure the project goal is achievable within a set timeline. These goals prevent assumptions and discrepancies to direct the team in the right direction.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“<em>Specific.Measurable.Achievable.Relevant.Time-bound”</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the above diagram, the SMART goal would be <em>“To grow channel subscribers by 1000 numbers in 3 months.&nbsp;</em></p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Break Tasks into Sub-tasks</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Narrow your focus into larger projects by dividing them into smaller tasks or milestones. A product map would help in such cases. If not done right, the splitting may fail too. The idea is to climb the mountain by taking baby steps. Smaller tasks completed on time would collectively result in achieving a milestone.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Communication is the Key</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Active listening and responding are vital. Most of the time, project managers are in the meetings. Why? Because communication is the key. They ensure stakeholders know the progress or any obstacles in the projects. This also applies to freelancers. Participate in the meetings to deliver as per the schedule and fixed budget. Diverse talent in freelancing introduces multiple time zones and cultures. Hence, it is crucial to managing freelancers and clients efficiently. A good idea would be to use a collaboration tool. Many free collaboration tools are available in the market.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To conclude, there are various factors to be considered for a successful project. Rules aren’t different for freelancing or full-time employment. It’s easier said than done. Businesses understand the pros and cons of freelancing and continue to proceed with outsourcing. It is the same with freelancers. So, why not follow better project management practices to make it a win-win situation for both freelancers and clients. <a href="https://www.uptechunt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UpTecHunt</a> believes every project built with the right practices could be a success.&nbsp;</p>

With a rising demand for freelancing, there has been an increase in challenges and uncertainty. Also, there is a continuous need for digital transformation across the globe. Pandemic has made businesses comfortable with remote work. This has given tremendous growth to the 

A project comes with a lot of responsibilities. A freelancer has to be prepared for all kinds of situations. This article will help you understand the success criteria.

Key to Project Success in Freelancing | UpTecHunt