BLOG
Freelance & Fractional 101: How to Build a Thriving Portfolio Career
The way we work is changing - and fast. No longer confined to traditional full-time roles, more professionals are choosing to design flexible, independent careers on their own terms. Whether you're stepping into freelance life or exploring the world of fractional work, building a portfolio career can give you the variety, autonomy, and balance you've been craving.
But how do you actually make it work?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to launch and grow a thriving portfolio career, blending freelance and fractional opportunities with purpose and confidence.
What Is a Portfolio Career?
A portfolio career means you're not tied to a single employer. Instead, you curate a mix of professional projects, clients, and roles - often across different sectors or skill sets. It might include:
• Freelance consulting gigs
• A part-time or fractional leadership role
• Passion projects or your own small business
• Coaching or mentoring work
• Occasional short-term contracts
The beauty? You decide how your work life is shaped.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Offering
Before anything else, you need to define what you bring to the table. Ask yourself:
• What problems do I solve?
• What is my niche or area of expertise?
• Who do I want to work with (startups, agencies, SMEs, corporates)?
Whether you're a marketing strategist, HR advisor, finance consultant or UX designer, clarity is key. Think of your services like a product - what's the value, and who's buying?
Pro tip: Create a one-pager or simple website outlining your services, experience, and results.
Step 2: Position Yourself with Purpose
This isn't job-seeking - it's brand building. In the freelance and fractional space, you are the brand. Craft a professional presence that reflects:
• Your values and working style
• What makes you different
• Social proof (client logos, testimonials, case studies)
Optimise your LinkedIn profile, refresh your CV to suit a more fluid format, and consider building a portfolio or personal site. Show up with confidence - you're not “looking for work,” you're offering value.
Step 3: Find the Right Work
The most successful portfolio careers grow from intentional alignment - doing the right kind of work for the right kind of client. Where to look:
• Flexible talent platforms like VERSA
• Your existing network and past employers
• LinkedIn, Slack communities, and industry groups
• Referrals (don't be afraid to ask!)
Start small if needed - one project can lead to more. Be clear on your availability, scope, and rates from the outset.
Step 4: Communicate Like a Consultant
In a portfolio career, how you communicate matters just as much as what you do. Shift your mindset from employee to strategic partner:
• Pitch solutions, not just skills
• Set clear expectations and boundaries
• Be proactive and responsive
• Send regular updates and own your results
Building long-term client relationships often comes down to being dependable, clear, and easy to work with.
Step 5: Know Your Worth (and Price It)
Pricing is one of the biggest hurdles for freelance and fractional professionals, but it doesn't have to be. Consider:
• Value-based pricing (what is the ROI of your work?)
• Day rates or project-based fees
• Retainers for ongoing work
• Tiered offers (e.g. advisory only vs. hands-on delivery)
Research your market, speak to peers, and don't be afraid to charge more as your reputation grows.
Step 6: Build for the Long Game
A thriving portfolio career is built on relationships, reputation, and adaptability. Keep investing in:
• Learning and upskilling
• Expanding your network
• Diversifying your client base
• Staying ahead of trends in your sector
Don't forget to take breaks, reflect, and celebrate the wins - it's easy to skip when you're constantly moving.
Final Thoughts
The portfolio career model isn't just a stopgap or side hustle, it's a powerful, future-forward way to work that puts you in control.
You get to define success. You get to design your week. You get to choose the work that lights you up.
And at VERSA, we're here to help you do just that.
Want flexible work that fits your life?
Join the VERSA community and sign up to The Agenda, our free newsletter packed with expert tips, flexible roles, and stories from people doing work differently.
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ