Freelancing: How to Get Started... or Not

FreelancingHow to Get Started…

Or not.

by Cindy Cullen CPC,

MPT• Started programming in 1983• AS in Computer Information

Systems - NSTI - 1987• BS in Computer Science - APSU -

1989• Corporate - American Chemical

Society, General Electric, Iostudio• Freelancer/Consultant since 2003• Certified Professional Coach - FIA -

2011• Master Prosperity Teacher - EGS -

2012

What is a Freelancer?

Independent

Your own boss

Your own business of one

Entrepreneur

In business for yourself

Are you in business for yourself?

YES! You are!Everybody is in business for

themselves.Your current employer may just be your

biggest client at the moment.

How do most people view Web Freelancers?

Commodity

Coder

Skilled worker

All the same

Don’t call yourself a Freelancer.

Call yourself a

Consultant

instead

You MUST have the confidence to think of yourself as a

CONSULTANT!

Not a Consultant yet?DON’T do it!!

If someone can talk you out of it

You’re NOT ready!

Pros OR Cons of Consultanting?

You are your own boss

Time Freedom

Choose who you work with

Taxes

Benefits

No steady or set salary

Pros OR Cons of Consulting?

Work from home

Work alone

Wardrobe

Home with children/family

No set hours

Travel - mobility

Things to think about…

How many summers do you have with your children?

What are you trading your life for?

If not now, when?

What’s holding you back?

Money ?

• Start part-time - How much time could you make per week? You only need 30 minutes per week to start

• How much money are you losing by NOT Consulting?

• How can you bring in a little extra income RIGHT NOW?

Money?

What would you need to get started?

Usually very low overhead

You usually don’t need as much stuff as you think you do to get started

Skills?

Find a mentor

Find collaborators

Decide what you need to know and learn it. Classes are available.

Find your strong points and team up with those who have strengths in your weak areas.

Confidence?

Start slowly

Build your skills

On the job training - Internships

Get your first client

How to Start

What is your passion? Specialize.

Decide who your Ideal Client is. Who do you want to work with?

Find out where they hang out

Attract them what speaks to them?

Find out what they want

Serve them - Sell them what they want

Legal - Security - Protection

Contracts

Lawyers

Sole Proprietor? LLC? Corporation?

Faith & Trust

Know your clients

Always give more value than they’ve paid for

Accounting

Accountants

Mileage

Refunds, late fees, policies

Invoicing, subscriptions, credit card payments

Records/Taxes - Quickbooks, spreadsheets - income & expenses/deductions

Sales & Marketing

Where do your clients hang out?

Craigslist

elance, freelancer, odesk

Word of mouth - friends, family, clients, collaborators

Advertising

Social Networks, Newsletters, blogs

Negotiating

Investment vs. Expense

Retainers - Discovery phase

Scheduling

Don’t sell yourself short

Self-Discipline

What motivates you?

Know when you work best

Who holds you accountable?

What is your ‘why’?

Procrastination

Passion

How much to charge?

Experience - Your rate should go up

Going rate in your area

Value to the client - what’s it worth to them

Hour, week or month? Flat rate? Per project?

Estimates

Communication/Customer Service

Manage client expectations - updates, progress, costs

Availability - Email, phone, text, social networks - protect your time but BE available

Newsletters, up-sells, education, related products, sharing items of interest

SERVE them - how would you want to be served or treated?

Just Start!!if you are waiting for your

sign…

HERE IT IS!

Ask for help!

Want help getting started?

Join my FaceBook Freelance Coaching

GroupFaceBook.com/groups/cws.freelance.

coaching

Cindy Cullencindycullen@gmail.comCullenWebServices.com

615-509-1528Facebook.com/cgcullen

@cgcullen