Freelance 101 Part 1
Part 1
Despite the fact that most people think Insert Title Web Designs is a corporate entity and I try hard to maintain that image, the wonderful truth is that I am a freelance designer / developer.
While most of our clients aren't privy to this until a relationship has been established they usually appreciate it in the aftermath. It means that when they have a problem they aren't on hold for 20 minutes.. they are calling ME. That's it. No secretary, no hold music... but at the same time they get the added penalty of knowing how busy I actually am.
When they signed a contract for a very reasonable price they smiled... and so to they must smile knowing that one person is responsible for all of the work being done.
If you are thinking about becoming a freelance anything - you have to decide if it's really the life for you. The rewards can be fantastic, the hours and responsibility can be hell.
What is freelance
Freelancers are the hired guns of the Wild, Wild nternet. And just as the hired guns of the Ol' West were forced to compete for their place, so will you.
Freelancers are required to learn new technology at breakneck speeds and to accept the realities of business faster than those who may have the option of considering their preferences first.
The success of any freelancer boils down to using timeless principles of marketing. According to marketing guru Jay Abraham, a freelancer has only three basic goals:
- To increase the number of customers
- To increase the amount of the average order
- To increase the frequency of orders
Humble Beginnings
If you just left a fat job to start your freelancing career and have ample resources to extend your business presence from day one this next part does not apply to you, and frankly I cant stand you and you should leave this website.... greedy bastard.
If you are still reading you actually are a greedy bastard and I am glad to continue telling you what I have learned about the freelance business.
People ask me all the time how I get the customers and projects that I get.
The simple answer is that I don't actually ask people what they want, I give it to them. Pretty simple, huh? Don't just guess what they want or assume what they want. Know what they want!! Then do that. Charge accordingly.
This doesn't mean that I don't listen to my customers, but through experience and enough discussion I usually guide them to what they really want and need. A flexible, scalable solution that produces results.
This actually brings us to what I consider the first value of freelancing... Honesty.
Be honest with yourself.
If you want financial freedom, define it in an honest manner. What are you content with?
When I first started freelancing I was absolutely content with paying my rent, buying my smokes and enough food for me and the family. As things got easier I got more ambitious.
You have to commit, at least, to surviving. You should commit to much, much more. If my ambition had not grown, My business would own me and not the other way around.
Be honest with your clients. If your schedule is subject to your kids school schedule or your pregnant wife's cravings, or that you don't get out of bed until noon... tell your customer that these are your terms. The worst they can say is no.
That's it. no further explanation required.
Next: Define Your Objectives
Comments
11/21/2005 12:16:56 PM I`m sorry Joe! I`m sure you can convey it better than my comment!
11/21/2005 11:26:08 AM I also think it is important to be realistic in setting fees. Another way that I have gotten freelance is undercutting competition. The last client I developed for got a bill for about half of what my competition charged him. This other firm wanted to charge about $60/hour for the static HTML alone and was going to charge extra for the .NET and shopping cart setup. Needless to say the client was happy with my work and all updating and add-ons now go through me.