the art of freelancing and the interactive web
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The Art of Freelancing and the Interactive Web
By Chris Black
Background
• Chris Black– 3 years part time free lancing– 2 years as a Senior Developer at the Nerdery– 1 year full time freelancer / author
• Why did I go freelance?
GOING FREELANCE
Why Freelance?
Compared to Fulltime
Freelance / Contract• Control over projects you
take• Work on your own schedule• Income varies each month• Always on the clock• Self motivated
Fulltime• Little control over projects
you work on• Work 9 to 5• Consistent salary• Usually not on call• Motivated by others
Considerations
• Could I go 90 days without a paycheck?• Do I have all the knowledge to accomplish the
tasks? If not, do I know others that can help?• Am I self motivated?
GETTING WORK
Types of Work
• Full time job + freelance on the side– When you want more experience or need extra
cash– Don’t compete with your employer!
• Full time freelance• Contract jobs
Types of Self Employment
Freelance• Generally shorter projects• Can be fixed bid or time and
materials• Less commitment• Requires more work from
you – wearing many hats• Need to find work on your
own or by referral• Work remotely, sometimes
onsite
Contract Work• Usually 20 – 40 hours per
week for a set duration• Generally paid by the hour• Contractual agreement of
work• Can be specific to your
discipline• Placement by recruiters or
professionals• Usually onsite
Starting an LLC
• Valuable for full time freelancers• Easy to setup• Separates expenses into a business account• Step 1: Name• Step 2: Articles of Organization ($160)• Step 3: EIN number• Step 4: Open a bank account
Finding Freelance Work
• Have a consolidated portfolio ready• LA and NY Craigslist• Networking events (MN.swf, Minnedemo…)• Create a blog• Participate in online communities• Are you competing with other Freelancers?
What to Charge
• Entry level work is usually $20 / hour• Mid to junior level work $30 - $60 / hour• Senior designer or developer $80+ / hour• These numbers are for design / development
in Minneapolis, rates vary based on location• Keep in mind marketing, sales, software, tax
prep and more are all on your dime
Working for Free
• Overnight website challenge• When you need to boost your portfolio• When you feel passionate about something• Answering quick questions• Put a cap on the amount of free work you are
willing to do
Estimating
• Fixed bid vs. Time and Material– Fixed bid is paying based on initial estimate– Time and material is paying per hour– Only choose fixed bid for very small, well defined work– Properly managed time and material is better for both
you and the client• Break down the project into front end and
backend work• Offer alternate estimates removing features
Estimating Example
Filtering Work
• Is this a project I want?• Are they paying my going rate?• Will this be good exposure?• Is the timeline reasonable?• How much research will I need to do?• Don’t take every job
EXECUTING WORK
Client Relations
• Some small talk is good• Eat lunch with clients and colleagues• Keep in mind the project will end
Project Management
• Clearly outline estimates, hours you plan to work and hours completed
• Break the project down into milestones
Example Timeline
Invoicing the Client
• For small projects with new clients take half up front
• Reliable, repeat clients can be billed weekly or monthly
• Contract work is usually on NET 30 terms, it could be 60 days before you see a check!
• QuickBooks Pro
Example Invoice
Clear Communication
• Respond to e-mails promptly• Ask questions rather than guess• Be honest about your ability and interest in
the work• Recognize early warning flags
GENERAL INFORMATION
Considerations
• Health insurance• Dental insurance• Disability insurance• Do I need a loan in the next two years?• Retirement account• Budgeting• Taxes – just hire somebody
Taxes
• Many things are deductable for self employed individuals: software, computer, business expenses, conferences
• Anyone you do more than $600 of work for must send you a W9
• Claim all of your income• Pay estimated taxes quarterly
Questions?
Additional Information
• http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/business/7-freelancing-mistakes/
• http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here.html
• http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here-part-2.html
• http://www.developria.com/2010/12/if-you-can-make-it-here-part-2.html
• http://blog.benstucki.net/?p=66
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