Off We Go!A presentation about Offline Freelancing

FOWAB#4 - Bandung, December 11, 2010

Harry J. Husnidigitalgrafis.com | harryjh.com

1999/2000 2004/2005 2008/2009

Dotcoms eraPlayers: Big IT CompaniesImmature marketsWhat company are you work for?

Dotcoms crashSmall to middle agenciesWeb/online presentation is a luxuryWhat the heck is Friendster?!

2nd Wave Better infrastructures, affordable gadgets/devicesParadigm shift on how to workWhat the heck, are you still using Friendster?! Facebook/Twitter is breakfast, lunch and dinner. Suppers too.

Now

Choose client wisely.

Be selective, offline clients tend to be more "demanding".Anticipate client's literacy of technical and online stuff, especially on implementation stage.Calculate costs - physically and psychologically, decide if the project is worthed or not.

Attitude + Confidence.

Show that being a freelancer is your choice, not because you're forced to or because it's a cool thing.Show that being a freelancer doesn't mean you don't work professionally or lack of project methodology.Realize that agencies are your competitor. Therefore, show the benefits of hiring a freelancer.

Learn to present.

Understand flowcharts, wireframes, timeframe, schedule timeline, etc.That includes creating simple yet informative presentation slides with charts, graphics, diagrams, etc.

You are what you wear.

Like it or not, subjectivity plays a significant role to offline-client’s decisions.You need to impress the client with your appearance, especially on 1st meeting.Dress casual but properly.

Bring your gears.

When online, you impress client with works on your portfolio web. Offline, you show copies of them directly.So bring your gears: laptop, smartphone, usb stick, business card, iphone, ipad, iwhatever...As a bonus, it can level up your pricing too! ;)

Speak properly.

Learn to speak properly.Explain things using simple language.Speak to the point.Accept requests yet don't promise too much.

Be honest.

Tell the truth about who you are, where you work, how you work, assets you have, who you have work with, etc.There’s no point to brag about things. Eventually people finds out.

Work paperless.

Not because of "being green" trend, but because it’s simply an effective and efficient way to work.Send previews, documents, quotations & invoices in digital formats. In return, ask assets in digital formats too.

Go out. Socialize.

Offline clients often comes from word of mouth and recommendations, so build a good networking.“It’s not the people you know, but the people who knows you”Furthermore, it's nice to go out. It will keep you sane as well!

Harry J. HusniEmail: harryjh@gmail.com | Twitter: @aeroplant | FB: facebook.com/harryjh

www.digitalgrafis.com | www.harryjh.com

Hatur nuhun!