Do You Need a Network or Sales Skills?

Landing freelance projects isn’t all that different from applying for a traditional job. In general, you can secure projects by either selling your services directly or partnering with an agency or consulting firm that does the sales for you.

Option 1: Selling Your Services Yourself

If you prefer a hands-on approach, building a strong professional network is key. Focus on connecting with decision-makers—those responsible for projects, products, or teams within client companies. Additionally, honing your sales skills and adopting a systematic approach to outreach will increase your chances of securing high-value projects.

Option 2: Partnering with an Agency 🫐

Agencies take care of sales, contracts, and client relationships on your behalf. For example, at Growberry’s Xberry Community, we first assess your skills, interests, and availability, then proactively match you with relevant projects. This saves you time while ensuring a steady flow of opportunities.

Option 3: Consulting Firms

Consulting firms work similarly to agencies but tend to prioritize offering their in-house experts before tapping into external freelancers. This can be a great option if you’re open to a semi-independent model.

Each approach has its pros and cons, so consider your priorities—whether it’s freedom, stability, higher earnings, or minimizing effort on sales—and choose the path that best fits your work-life balance.

Securing assignments mainly comes down to building and maintaining strong client relationships. The better you understand a company’s business, project priorities, and current needs, the easier it is to offer your expertise at the right time.

At Growberry, we stay in constant dialogue with our customers, ensuring projects stay on track and that the right experts are available at every stage.

If you choose to work with us, the process is simple:

1. Create your profile

2. Discuss available projects focusing on ones that match your skills and interests

3. Discuss the opportunity with the customer in more detail

We make it easier for freelancers to focus on what they do best - delivering results, while we handle the connections.

The length of assignments varies based on the project scope and type of work.

Long-term projects (e.g., software development, large-scale transformations) often last 18+ months, with contracts typically structured in 6–12 month periods.

Short-term consulting needs also arise, such as audits, strategy sessions, or design sprints, where expertise is required for just a few weeks or months.

For our Xberries, we offer a mix of both. Whether you’re looking for long-term stability or flexible, high-impact projects, there’s an opportunity for you.

Starting as a freelancer requires some initial setup, but once you’re up and running, admin work is minimal.

Getting Started: Set aside a few days to register your business, choose an accountant, arrange YEL insurance, and select banking & invoicing services.

Ongoing Maintenance: If you work as an independent expert, managing your business mainly involves sending invoices and forwarding receipts to your accountant, which typically takes 1–2 hours per month.

Sales & Client Acquisition: Finding projects is also part of freelancing. You can either handle sales yourself or outsource it to Growberry, where we match you with relevant opportunities.

With the right setup, you can focus on what you do best while keeping admin tasks to a minimum.

Your pricing is mainly determined by market demand for your expertise, but several other factors also come into play:

Skillset & Experience – Specialized expertise commands higher rates.

Project Duration – Longer commitments may allow for rate adjustments.

Work Allocation – Full-time vs. part-time involvement impacts pricing.

Responsibilities – Leadership or strategic roles often come with premium rates.

At Growberry, we’ve gathered extensive data on freelance pricing trends. We’ll help you find the right rate, position your value effectively, and ensure you’re competitively priced in the market. Feel free to check out our fair share calculator below.

Identify your current strengths and future aspirations

Think about where you excel today and how you’d like to grow. Reviewing your past projects can help clarify this. Consider what aspects you enjoyed, what challenges excited you, and what types of roles, industries, or technologies suited you best. You can reflect on:

• The technologies and tools you’ve worked with

• The types of problems you’ve solved

• The industries you’ve worked in

• The methods and approaches you’ve used

• Your role and collaboration within teams

Create a project-based CV

Once you’ve mapped out your experience, compile a Project CV. While LinkedIn, GitHub, and online portfolios are great for showcasing your expertise, a project CV remains a powerful tool for freelancers. This doesn’t need to be extensive, just a concise, structured list of your key projects, including:

1. Project name & client (anonymised if needed)

2. Project purpose – What was the goal?

3. Your role – What was your contribution?

4. Technologies & methods – Tools, platforms, frameworks

5. Duration – Example: 02/2024 - 08/2024

This structured approach makes it easier to highlight your key skills, position yourself effectively, and determine a competitive price in the market. Generally, rates are higher in areas where you have strong expertise, while flexibility may be needed when taking on new challenges.

Starting a business comes with some initial setup costs and ongoing expenses, but overall, freelancing remains a cost-efficient way to work independently.

Company Registration Fees

• Limited Company (Oy): Registration - €275

• Sole Proprietorship (Toiminimi): Online registration - €60

Registering electronically through the Business Information System is the most cost-effective option.

Ongoing Business Expenses

• YEL Pension Insurance – Required for entrepreneurs, costing ~25% of your chosen annual income. The minimum cost is ~€2,053 per year, but first-time entrepreneurs get a 22% discount for the first four years.

• Other Business Insurance – Budget anywhere from €0–1,000 per year, depending on coverage. For reference, accident, liability, legal, and cyber insurance with standard indemnity amounts can cost around €320 per year.

• Accounting Fees – Costs vary based on service level but typically range from €50–150 per month for basic bookkeeping.

• Software & Tools – Subscription fees for invoicing, project management, and professional tools.

• Equipment & Workspace Costs – Computers, internet, and potential co-working space fees if needed.

While these expenses are part of running a business, they are tax-deductible, helping to optimize your overall income. Once Xberries get selected for a project, we are here to guide the setup process to get started with the right structure for you.

Switching from a salaried job to freelancing without a gap in income is entirely possible with the right approach.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring a smooth transition:

1. Start Exploring Opportunities: Begin by regularly checking available freelance projects. When you find an assignment that matches your skills, reach out to the Xberry Talent Agent listed in the opportunity and share your situation.

2. Assess Fit & Move Forward: We’ll evaluate the project’s timing, scope, and requirements. If everything aligns, we’ll introduce you to the client and start the interview process. At this stage, you’re not yet committed to anything, and you don’t need to have a business entity registered yet.

3. Secure the Project & Register Your Business: If the interview goes well and the client wants to proceed, it’s time to set up your company (either a limited company (Oy) or a sole proprietorship (Toiminimi)). You’ll sign the contract once you receive your business ID.

Handle the essentials

Now that your business is registered, take care of the following:

• Submit your resignation notice (if needed)

• Take out YEL pension insurance

• Open a business bank account

• Set up invoicing & accounting services

• Purchase necessary equipment & software.

Final steps and first assignment

You’re all set! If you choose the Xberry route, we also guide you through practical matters, such as invoicing and tracking billable hours.

Becoming a freelancer involves some effort at the start, but once past the setup phase, you’ll enjoy the flexibility, higher earnings, and autonomy freelancing offers. Many never return to traditional employment after making the switch.

Extra+ tips for a smooth transition

• Thinking about a start-up grant? New entrepreneurs can apply for a start-up grant, but the application must be approved before officially becoming an entrepreneur. If you’re applying, allow at least one month between signing your contract and your project start date.

• Be transparent with your current employer To avoid complications, communicate your transition plans early with your employer to ensure a smooth and professional exit.

• Choose your service providers wisely

  • YEL insurance rates are the same across providers, but additional insurance policies vary.

  • Accounting firms offer different pricing and services, so compare options before choosing one.

Both freelancers and clients benefit from seamless project continuity, so keeping you engaged between assignments is a top priority. At Growberry, we proactively ensure ongoing opportunities for the Xberry freelancers we represent.

Here’s how we help:

Early Planning: We identify the end date of your current project at least one month in advance.

Tailored Opportunities: Before your project wraps up, we confirm your next career goals, preferences, and availability.

Proactive Matching: Based on your preferences, we line up new freelance opportunities so you can transition smoothly from one project to the next.

Our goal is to make sure you don’t have to worry about long gaps between assignments. We’re here to support your career growth and continuity.

At Growberry, we strive to ensure Xberry freelancers have continuous work, and when you start looking for your next gig early, the chances of securing a new assignment before your current one ends are very high. However, occasional gaps between projects can happen.

Here’s how you should prepare:

Plan Ahead: Start exploring new opportunities before your current project ends to minimize downtime.

Build a Financial Buffer: Having a savings cushion helps cover living expenses or even take a well-deserved break between gigs.

Unemployment Protection: By paying fair YEL contributions and joining an entrepreneurial fund, you ensure eligibility for unemployment benefits. If you were previously part of an employee fund, you can switch to an entrepreneurial fund within three months of starting your business to maintain coverage. Support from Kela: If freelancing comes to an end, entrepreneurs can apply for income support under the same conditions as other job seekers.

While freelancing offers flexibility and financial benefits, being strategic about career planning and financial security ensures you stay in control of your income.

The safest approach is to resign only after signing your freelance contract. In most cases, the start date of your new assignment can be arranged to align with your notice period, ensuring a smooth transition.

However, if you’re in a position to resign before securing a new project, you might gain a competitive advantage by being available for an immediate start, which is something that can set you apart from other candidates.

Ultimately, timing your resignation depends on your risk tolerance, financial buffer, and confidence in landing your next gig.

Yes, the type of company you choose impacts everything from taxation to personal liability and day-to-day operations. For tech freelancers, the most common options are a sole proprietorship (Toiminimi) or a limited company (Osakeyhtiö, Oy).

Sole Proprietorship (Toiminimi) – Simple but Riskier

Easy to set up & manage: Fewer administrative tasks and simpler accounting.

Personal liability: Business risks are also personal risks, meaning your own assets could be at stake if things go south.

Limited Company (Osakeyhtiö, Oy) – More Secure & Scalable

Safer option: Your personal assets are protected, as the company is a separate legal entity.

Potential tax benefits: More flexibility in taxation and financial planning.

More administration: Requires proper bookkeeping and is more regulated, so working with an accountant is recommended.

While a sole proprietorship is a quick way to start freelancing, many professionals eventually transition to a limited company for better financial security and flexibility. Growberry can provide guidance on choosing the best structure for your needs!

As an entrepreneur, you are only required to take out self-employed person’s pension insurance (YEL), which is offered at the same price across all insurance providers. YEL secures your pension and also impacts your social security, with the cost determined based on your YEL income.

Voluntary insurance options for entrepreneurs vary by provider, but for tech freelancers, useful coverage may include:

Accident Insurance: Covers work-related and leisure-time accidents, as well as occupational diseases.

Legal Expenses Insurance: Helps cover lawyer fees in civil, criminal, or application matters, such as disputes over contracts.

Cyber Liability Insurance: Protects against financial losses due to data security breaches in your or an outsourced service provider’s network.

Cyber Insurance: Covers damages resulting from hacking, data theft, or personal data breaches.

While YEL is essential for social security benefits, voluntary insurance can provide additional protection tailored to your needs as an entrepreneur.

As an entrepreneur, you are responsible for paying your own salary. The process is simple for sole proprietors, while owners of a limited company have more flexibility—but also more factors to consider, especially when optimizing for tax efficiency. A good accounting firm can help you choose the most strategic approach, so you can focus on running your business.

Services like palkkaus.fi make salary payments easy, streamlining the process for entrepreneurs.

As an entrepreneur, you are entitled to fringe benefits, which are also tax-deductible. Common benefits include lunch allowances, mobile phone benefits, and company car perks, among others.