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
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