Freelancing.HK-News 65
DEAR READERS,
In this issue of Freelancing.hk-News, we present to you the top freelancer cities around the world. Hong Kong ranked fifth while New York city defended its position as the top location for freelancers. The report further analyses what makes Hong Kong a great place to do freelance work.
In addition, our very own strategic advisor, Rainer Kurz, shares his top tips for companies faced with the challenge of finding a suitable freelancer. We also have an interesting fact for those of you wondering where the word “freelancer” came from, and a freelancer’s article highlighting the importance of consistent brand management. And as always, we have our freelancer joke of the month, where a motivational speaker maintains his determination to give a speech even when he doesn’t have much of an audience.
I wish you a lot of fun reading and as always, good business!
Johannes Hummel
The top destinations for freelancers: Hong Kong is number 5
According to research recently released by Global Work From Home and Small Business Prices, 32 cities were investigated to see how they performed in terms of the opportunities available and affordability for the rising freelance workforce.
In this report, ranking was determined by an index score which rated economies according to nine factors. These factors covered a variety of topics ranging from the number of freelance jobs available to the average price of rent in the city centre. The ranking showed that New York, with an index score of 6.58, was the best place in the world to become a freelancer or work remotely.
In comparison, Hong Kong ranked fifth with an index score of 5.31, with a breakdown of each aspect as follows:
Broadband speed: HK: 151 Mbps, NYC: 116 Mbps
Free WiFi spots: HK: 421,241, NYC: 1 Million
Number of freelance jobs available: HK: 932, NYC: 4,359
Number of coworking spaces: HK: 147, NYC: 261
Average working hours per week: HK: 40, NYC: 40
Average rent in city centre: HK: $20,000 HKD, NYC: $25,700 HKD
Average monthly salary: HK: $18,500 HKD, NYC: $40,000 HKD
Cost of broadband per month: HK: $220 HKD, NYC: $520 HKD
Average temperature: HK: 23°C, NYC: 13°C
Hong Kong had relatively good scores when it came to factors such as broadband speed, cost of broadband per month, number of coworking spaces, and average temperature.
To further improve Hong Kong’s ranking, the Hong Kong government should address matters such as increasing monthly salaries and decreasing rent prices in the city centre.
On the other hand, New York City was ranked the top destination for freelancers because the city has an abundance of free WiFi spots, a high number of available freelance jobs and coworking spaces, and a competitive average monthly salary.
For more details, here is the link for downloading the full report.
Question of the month: How do I find a suitable freelancer?
What are the biggest challenges companies face when looking for a freelancer? This question was recently presented to Rainer Kurz, the Strategic Advisor of Freelancing.hk, during a blog interview. Here is his answer:
It can be a challenge choosing a freelancer with the appropriate skills and experience. You have to consider their hourly rate, location, language, and availability. In any case, you should take the time to find an optimal service provider with provable experience, and not only make a hire based on their educational background. A marketplace like Freelancing.hk, which clearly compares each freelancer’s features and experience, can be of great help during your virtual hiring process.
Even if you have found a freelancer who matches the specifications of your job post, there is still the issue of building mutual trust between freelancers and clients. Can the freelancer really accomplish what they promised? Is the client reliable? Should the freelancer deliver something first or receive upfront payment before submission? This is where Freelancing.hk’s escrow payment services help to build trust between both parties (“escrow” is defined as making a payment via a trusted third party). At Freelancing.hk, we try to help both the freelancer and the client by providing a free-of-charge secured transaction method to alleviate and mitigate any concerns.
Did you know where the term FREELANCER came from?
In medieval times, some mercenary warriors in Europe were not sworn-in to any lord or king. Warfaring lords could hire these medieval mercenary warriors for their services.
As they freely owned their own weapons (like lances), the term “free-lance” was used for them. Early mentions of freelancers were noted in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe, published in 1820: “I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them...”.
Nowadays, with the development of trade and technology, the term freelancer is used for self-employed “business warriors”. A freelancer’s weapon arsenals now tend to consist of computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Freelancer article: Professional brand management
Service providers can showcase their work with a short article in the Freelancing.hk-News, In this issue, we present a marketing expert focusing on branding.
___
Brands have determined my life for years - professionally as well as privately. Consistent brand management requires a fundamental analysis and a good strategy.
It is necessary to understand and grasp the brand in its entirety instead of targeting a group-oriented view. The brand must be adapted to your company structure and should be determined and managed according to the desired customer effect. Only by taking a holistic view, the success modules of a strong brand can be discovered and strategically planned.
Based on a holistic brand analysis and consulting, every company can increase its added value by certain strategic measures. As a freelance brand researcher and consultant, I am looking forward to your assignment!
___
Freelancer joke of the month
In an almost empty auditorium, a motivational trainer stands on stage and waits a couple of minutes hoping that more listeners will come in.
He then speaks to the only listener in the room: “I think you are my only listener today, at least I can focus on you during the session and we can discuss anything for as long as we want”
“It would actually be better for me if you don’t take so long,” says the woman, “I’m the next speaker.”
If you have suggestions or want to subscribe to our newsletter, please leave your message here: