The First Four Months of FreelanceA Series of Great Failures

Is it about failure?(Not quite)

What I learned, andwhat I solved.

It’s about adapting, and self-discipline.You’re always learning, always iterating your business model.

WARNING!This is my $0.02, based on very limited experience.

The Huaorani Indians of

Ecuador

About me.I’m Matt Brown, I run thingsthatarebrown, llc

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The early years.Party like it’s 1996!

Work History

Work History- Cilex- Learning to Teach with Technology- Catylist Real Estate Software- SEOMoz.org

What I’ve learned,so far.- You need to ask “Why?”- It’s a business first, design firm second- Business is all about sales- Discovery leads design- Don’t work in your underwear- Learn to self promote

1) Why freelance?

Plenty of reasons.- I want to explore my creativity- I need more project variety- I will make lots of money- I need more recognition- I want a flexible work schedule

But goals don’t do the work.So focus on the work.

“It sounds fun.”

Not fun like cupcakes and farts.Photo Credits - Google Image Search Resultshttp://katieskitchen.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/pink_cupcakes.jpghttp://moumouh.vip-blog.com/medias/0307/moumouh-vip-blog-com-966718funny-pictures-flaming-farts-1c4.jpg

It’s fun like an Ironman.Photo Credit - Cody Lindleyhttp://codylindley.com/Personal/344/boise-half-703-ironman

It’s about hard work, and a sustainable process.

You need to keep asking and answering “Why?”

What’s my answer?- I want to help other’s succeed.

- I want to learn, and yet be in control.

2) It’s a business first.

Design isn’t whatyou’ll do.

30-40%

You provide business solutions.

It’s about education and empathy.

They’re worried about:- A large or increasing budget- Not getting a workable product- No control over the site- Many have been “burned” before

You’re worried about:- A tight, unworkable budget- Not getting paid at all (or lawsuit)- On the hook for maintenance- You’ve been “burned” before

You’re both small businesses facing risk.

Again, empathy.

Patience & good communication.

Under-promise,over-deliver.

3) Sales, sales, sales.

Selling is #1 priority when you’re starting out.

Smooth out your earnings.

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apirl may june july august

Crazy

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Sustainable

Sales is a state of mind.

It’s an openness to opportunity.

Be ready to jump on leads.

Don’t ever be adverse to new opportunities.(Even if you’re booked till November)

Sales is all about a confident pitch.

Short, simple, and clear.(No jargon.)

Be authentic.

Your pitch is your niche.

I’m still workingon mine.

4) Discovery leads design.

Important for all firms.

Helps with the hard problem - subjectivity.

Use moodboards.(They’re cool, I promise)

“I’m thrilled to have some buy-in on the process. I totally trust the first round of comps and love seeing my ideas and influence materialized...”

Talk is fast, design is slow.(Moodboards!)

Discovery establishes a solid dialogue.

Aim for “conversation leadership.”

Discovery:- Speeds up the design process.- Mitigates risk for both parties.- Engenders trust.

5) Don’t work in your underwear.

Art Credit - Kevin Mahler

Your environment matters.

Start and stop with consistency.

Work during normal business hours.

Working late is dangerous.

Fix up, look sharp.

“Reset” your space daily.

Resolve the details quickly.

6) Express yourself

Promotion is vital to success.

You MUST have a blog.

Helps you stand out.

Everyone is a “great web designer” these days.

Be transparent, open, and friendly.

Stay positive.

We get too excited about failure.Photo Credit - Google Image Search Resultshttp://forum.alsacreations.com/upload/2043-fail-camera.jpg

It’s hard work, but it pays off.

Freelancing is a wonderful lifestyle if you keep refining.

Be like Gmail.Icon Credit - Google Image Search Resultshttp://csi.nfshost.com/goodies/

Always in Beta, yet solid and dependable.

Thank you!