Many freelancers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been finding ways to keep their portfolios strong in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But some businesses that have long driven growth in many economies may struggle to keep their businesses afloat in an increasingly digital-first culture. 

Use freelancer platforms to network globally

Even most social business leaders know that networking can be a challenge. Networking to secure new clients has, until very recently, required professionals to attend local, in-person events and follow up with a limited pipeline of business prospects. 

According to a recent survey, three out of four freelancers say technology has made it simpler to find work, making it easier than ever to connect with high-quality clients and increase their earnings. Using a freelancer platform allows professionals to search for clients and services even outside the country.

If there's a company you admire that values freelancers and pays them well, freelancer platforms allow you to contact them directly with the services you offer. You can essentially bypass the gatekeepers and connect with like-minded professionals worldwide.

Use online brokerages to simplify foreign investments

Bringing in foreign trade doesn’t necessarily confine freelancers and MSMEs to selling their services and products. Online brokerages make it easy for anyone to invest in foreign ventures and currencies all around the world. 

In the past, investors had to make phone calls to brokers who would put international trades through for them. In today’s market, trading online happens almost instantaneously. This opens up many opportunities to invest depending on your values, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

There are multiple avenues that freelancers and MSMEs can take to get started trading online and investing in foreign currencies and businesses. To trade online, you’ll utilize a broker, website, or trading app that allows you to trade on the international market. When using digital trading platforms, you will simply have to make an account and fund it so you can start buying shares or other assets.

Use VPNs to keep communications secure

If you’re interested in getting the most out of cross-border trade, you need a secure way to communicate with international clients. When managing a business remotely, invest in a virtual private network (VPN).

As Sydney-based cybersecurity expert William Ellis of Privacy Australia notes, a VPN can create an encrypted communication channel between you and your contacts, so you can feel confident that your internet traffic is going through a secure tunnel and keeping your data private. 

For freelancers and MSMEs, a VPN can reduce downtime, increase productivity, and, ultimately, maintain the flow of income from international business. VPNs are also essential for freelancers and MSMEs who may travel abroad to visit clients. 

Thanks to VPN encryption, the chances that your data will be hacked is greatly reduced. Plus, your IP address looks like you’re accessing the internet from the physical location of the VPN server, creating a level of anonymity unmatched with a traditional ISP.

Conclusion

There are many ways to harness technology to your advantage as a freelancer or MSME business owner. Get yourself set up on a freelancer platform that makes it easy to reach out to international prospects and market yourself to potential clients all over the world. As you accelerate your international growth, make sure to invest in a VPN that can keep your data protected from malicious actors. 

And if you're interested in bringing in revenue from investments in foreign currencies, assets, and enterprises, you'll need to use an online trading platform to manage your investment portfolios. The future of business is global, and now is the time to start pushing your small business into the international market.