Eight Freelance Businesses That DON’T Require a Computer
Posted May 27, 2009 in Business, Getting Started 17 Comments »
Everybody knows about freelancers. They are those work-from-home entrepreneurs who are tied to their computer screens during every waking hour, right?
Wrong! (Or maybe I should say partially wrong. . .)
While a considerable number of freelancers, and probably most FreelancerFolder readers, are web workers, web working is not the only way to freelance.
In fact, in certain professions it’s possible to freelance without even using a computer. Though, you’ll probably want a computer to keep your accounting and administrative records.
In a troubled economy, it’s good to know that there are many options for freelancing.
How Do You Define Freelancing?
First, let’s take a look at what freelancing is. Freelancers typically work on a contract or project-by-project basis for multiple clients. They work independently and are not considered to be employees of any particular company. Rather, freelancers are considered to be self-employed.
That’s really all that freelancing is. Aside from this basis, freelancing can take on just about any format or specialty.
Freelancing Without a Computer
Want to become a freelancer without relying on a computer? It’s quite possible. Take a look at the following professions that may lend themselves to freelancing without a computer:
(Note: some of these professions require state or local licensing. Always check and follow local regulations when setting up a new freelance business.)
- Child care worker — As a freelance childcare worker you can provide babysitting services in your home, your client’s home, or substitute at local day care facilities. You’ll need to know basic first aid and should be comfortable working with small children. You may also be required to submit to a background check to make sure that you have no history of criminal activity.
- Lawn care provider — If you love being outdoors, you may be able to freelance by providing lawn care or landscaping services. It’s likely that you’ll need to make an investment in landscaping equipment. You will also need a vehicle to haul your equipment. Depending on where you live, freelancing as a lawn care provider may only provide seasonal work.
- Catering — Do you feel most at home in the kitchen? Do your tasty desserts or savory entrees leave them begging for more? Can you cook for a crowd? Catering may be the right freelance opportunity for you. As a freelance caterer you’ll be providing food for parties and other special events. Be sure to comply with local health regulations.
- Cleaning service — These days everybody is busy. So busy, in fact, that many people have trouble keeping up with their housework. If you’re good at cleaning you can freelance by providing household cleaning services. The main cost that you’ll likely be faced with when starting this type of business is that of purchasing the cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Beautician — Do you have an interest in fashion? If you are a licensed beautician and own the right equipment, then you may be able to freelance as a beautician or hairdresser. Depending on local regulations, you may even be able to operate your beauty business from your home. Remember that people skills are particularly important for this line of work.
- Handy person — If you’re good at using tools (and own a good set of tools), then you may be able to freelance as a handy person. The gigs that you’ll get as a freelance handy person may involve repairs or maintenance that a home or business owner can’t do for themselves or doesn’t have time to do.
- Pet care services — Animal lovers, this one is for you. Imagine taking care of animals and getting paid to do it! You can provide pet care services on a freelance basis while the owners work. Since you’ll likely be given access to the owner’s home so that you can let their pet out and feed them, a background check may be required for this freelance business.
- Crafts — Do you enjoy creating things? If you’re a crafter, then you may be able to start a freelance business selling your creations locally. Marketable crafts range from making jewelry to creating quilts to paintings to more. The possibilities of what you could create and sell are almost endless! To sell your finished crafts look for and try to participate in local craft shows and fairs.
You may be able to think of other professions that can “go freelance” without a computer.
A Word About Marketing
What do all of these positions have in common? They all depend on a creating strong local client base.
All freelancers need to market their services. Freelancers who are not web-workers will need to advertise their services in local publications, network at local events, and do other marketing activities in order to build a client base.
What About You?
Do you run a freelance business that could operate without using a computer? If so, leave a comment and let us know how that is going.
Can you think of other offline businesses for entrepreneurs?
About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 19 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts
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17 Comments
Dave navarro
May 27th, 2009 at 11:19 amIt’s easy to forget you don’t need a computer to freelance (but it helps!).
Laura Spencer
May 27th, 2009 at 11:33 amThanks Dave!
I agree, having a computer definitely helps. For some freelancers it’s their main tool, but for many others. . . Well, you read the article. :-)
Craig Scott
May 27th, 2009 at 11:51 amI also do Custom Helmet Painting for downhill mountainbikers – there are alot of similarities with ‘freelancing’ and it’s good to get away from a computer every once in a while.
Laura Spencer
May 27th, 2009 at 12:20 pmWow Craig!
That’s a great example of what I’m talking about and something that I never would have thought of on my own.
Missy
May 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pmAffiliate marketing can also be done offline without the use of a PC. The one area i know of is with satellite tv affiliate offers, you can set-up “shop” at fairs, expos, festivals, etc.
You sell the offers, you collect customer info, you then call-in the orders. A laptop could be used, but technically is not needed. All can be done with a desk, your smile, and traffic.
Steve Atkinson
May 27th, 2009 at 2:00 pmWhen you get down to it a computer is really just another of the many tools that we use to get the job done.
For many it’s just as important as a hammer is to a carpenter or a paint brush to a painter.
Adam Pieniazek
May 27th, 2009 at 3:37 pmGood tips.
My step-dad owns a small carpentry/construction company, which is mostly just him fixing up people’s buildings. He’s amazingly talented at it and has never had to use a computer nor advertise his services because he’s so good that nearly all his clients refer him to others.
I’ve actually tried helping him set up a web-site to draw in more business, but get this, he doesn’t want any additional business! He’s perfectly happy doing what he does and just doesn’t want to deal with the “hassle” of expanding.
JohnONolan
May 28th, 2009 at 5:02 amlol… who’s your target market here? Everyone reading this article HAS a computer :)
Vladan Krstic
May 28th, 2009 at 7:02 amHey this is cool, freelancing is the state of mind :)
rent a freelance
May 28th, 2009 at 10:34 amYou have changed the definition of freelance. Thanks for the good work
Laura Spencer
May 28th, 2009 at 10:49 amLOL, JohnONolan, our readers may have computers, but many of them probably know at least one person who does not have one or who has one but doesn’t use it much.
Rent-a-Freelancer, I think that the article challenges the perception of a freelancer as solely a computer person. The definition of freelancer (someone who is not an employee of a company) remains the same.
Thanks to everyone for your comments!
Vivienne Quek
May 31st, 2009 at 6:52 amWhere I am residing, there’s services like rent-a-PA and even rent a branded bag for a week. And, they mainly advertise online :)
Laura Spencer
May 31st, 2009 at 2:45 pmHi Vivienne – - Computers are definitely useful tools for advertising any business.
WebDev
June 5th, 2009 at 1:50 pmOf course, there are jobs that can be done as a freelancer without using a computer, but in most cases having a Mac or a PC helps connect people, share, socialize, advertise, etc.
In my case, well, I’m a computer addict as a Computer Science student (one year left to graduate, yuppie), so I’ll be using my dear friend, let me be in any situation: even if freelancing, even if researching, even if …
Jon Clark
June 13th, 2009 at 4:37 pmI can definitely relate to your mention of lawn care. I ran a lawn maintenance business from the time I was 12 through graduation of high school. I was able to grow the business to the point it actually help fund a significant portion of my college tuition. I’ll admit, I miss spending the days working outside completely removed from technology and the confines of a desk and 4 walls. Sure, as a freelancer I can mosey over to my favorite coffee shop or outdoor patio with Internet access but the need for a wireless connection and / or power outlet still limits a lot of options.
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