how to be a freelancer

How To Be a Freelancer

If you’re gonna do it, then effin’ do it right.

I am not a lawyer

I am not giving legal advice

There are no guarantees

Use your own judgement

Disclaimer

Freelancing With a Purpose

Building a Personal Brand

Communicating With Clients

Making a Contract

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Contents

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Freelancing With a Purpose

Why do you want to be a freelancer?• What’s your motivator?

• Why not get an awesome job?

Freelancing With a Purpose

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Find your passion (or at least one of them)

• What is super easy for you?

• What would you do for free?

Freelancing With a Purpose

Define your long-term goals• Freelance forever?

• Just on the side?

• Start a business?

Freelancing With a Purpose

Define your ideal client• Who do you want to work with?

• Where does she hang out?

• Why does she buy?

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Freelancing With a Purpose

Building a Personal Brand

Building a Personal BrandBrand = Reputation• Carve out a niche for yourself

• Be the go-to person in your niche

• Continue to add value

• Make your clients happy

Building a Personal BrandPosition Yourself• Niche services

• Industry

• Location

• Personal values

• Customer service ¥

Building a Personal BrandGet a Personality• Stand for something

• Get a distinct voice

• Be unique and memorable

• Be personal and authentic

• Tell great stories

Building a Personal BrandGet a Brand Identity• Appropriate name

• Visual brand style

• Online portfolio

• Business cards

• Compelling copy

• Elevator pitches ™

Building a Personal BrandCreate Some Buzz• Clear and consistent message

• Online and offline networking

• Products, books, tutorials, etc.

• Blog, podcast, or videos

• Basic SEO practices

• Long-term action plan

Communi-cating With Clients

Communicating With ClientsThe basics:• Listen, listen, listen, then clarify

• Use appropriate language

• Don’t be afraid to push back

• Don’t be a jerk (even if you think you have the right to be)

Communicating With ClientsMaintain great service• Answer emails quickly and appropriately

• Stay proactive; keep clients updated

• Pick up the phone once in a while

• Focus on the clients’ needs

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Communicating With ClientsAvoid miscommunications• Don’t assume anything; always ask

• Spend time being exceptionally clear

• Don't avoid giving bad news

• Follow-up with emails

• Talk with only one person M

Communicating With ClientsAfter the sale• Ask for feedback after projects

• Remind them to mention your name

• Stay in touch every few months

• Share useful content and resources O

Making Yourself a Contract

Making Yourself a ContractThey don’t have to be scary• Contracts are for clarity

• You don’t need a lawyer (yet)

• A template is fine

• Simple language is great

• Call them “Agreements”

Making Yourself a ContractThe essentials• Project scope & details

• Pricing & payment

• Client content

• Project cancelations

• Additional fees

• Approvals & revisions

• Ownership

• Credit & promotion

• Non-exclusivity

• Jurisdiction

• Limitation of liability

Making Yourself a ContractResources• http://webdesignlaw.com/

• http://www.docracy.com

• http://www.docstoc.com

Red Flags to Watch Out For

“Most of the content is done. I’ll send you the rest next week.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

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Most of the content is done. I’ll send you the rest next week.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

This means multiple content updates. It will only waste time and cause headaches.

“Could you finish this by Monday morning?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

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Could you finish this by Monday morning?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

You don’t have to accept unreasonable deadlines or work on the weekend.

“I don't know what I want. Just make it look good.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

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I don't know what I want. Just make it look good.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Clients who don’t know what they want are indecisive and will drag projects on.

“Can you make me a website for $100?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

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Can you make me a website for $100?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

You must know what your time is worth and learn to say no to cheap clients.

“I can't pay now, but I can offer profit sharing.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

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I can't pay now, but I can offer profit sharing.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Get paid for your work. If you want to be a partner, that’s a different discussion.

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Red Flags to Watch Out ForDon't worry, you'll get lots of work from me in the future.

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Red Flags to Watch Out ForDon't worry, you'll get lots of work from me in the future.

Clients say this to get free or low-cost work. Don’t agree just because you hear this.

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Red Flags to Watch Out ForCould you just add this small thing? It won’t take long.

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Red Flags to Watch Out ForCould you just add this small thing? It won’t take long.

Small things add up and turn into scope creep. Plus, how do they know how long it takes?

Whatever You Do…

Whatever You Do…

Be memorable

Provide exceptional service

Communicate well

Use a contract

Get money up front !

And...

Learn how to say “No!”

Get in touch

Robert HacalaBrand Designerroberthacala.com